2012 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting the Draft's Top-5 Picks

In our 2012 NFL mock draft, the first five picks go as follows:

1.  Indianapolis Colts — Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

There really isn't a case for the Colts picking any player than Luck come April. Indianapolis needs a future at the position, and Luck has been touted as the best quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning. No brainer.

2.  St. Louis Rams — Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Most expect this pick to be traded to the highest bidder with intent to draft Robert Griffin III. But even if the Rams do trade out of No. 2, they'll take a long look at Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon. He's a Terrell Owens clone without the baggage.  

3.  Minnesota Vikings — Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The Vikings may also be a top candidate to move down, but they'd get a cornerstone piece if they stayed and picked Kalil at No. 3. Adding Kalil to a mix of Christian Ponder, Kyle Rudolph, Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin gives the Vikings a bright offensive future.

4.  Cleveland Browns — Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

The Browns would be hard-pressed to pass on Griffin if he gets all the way to pick No. 4. He's a special talent that would revitalize a dying offense in Cleveland. Unless Browns management is completely sold on Colt McCoy—and they avoided committing to him as the starter in 2012—the right choice is Griffin. 

5.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick will make a strong case to be the No. 1 cornerback in this class, but Claiborne has a skill package that rivals LSU teammate Patrick Peterson from last April. The Bucs desperately need to add playmakers on defense, and Ronde Barber may retire. Taking Claiborne fits both in need and on the draft board. 

6.  Washington Redskins—Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

7.  Jacksonville Jaguars—Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa 

8.  Carolina Panthers—Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

9.  Miami Dolphins—Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

10.  Buffalo Bills—Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

11.  Kansas City Chiefs—Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

12.  Seattle Seahawks—Devon Still, DT, Penn State

13.  Arizona Cardinals—Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford 

14.  Dallas Cowboys—Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

15.  Philadelphia Eagles—Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College 

16.  New York Jets—Ronnell Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

17.  Cincinnati Bengals—Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

18.  San Diego Chargers—David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

19.  Chicago Bears—Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

20.  Tennessee Titans—Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

21.  Cincinnati Bengals—Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

22.  Cleveland Browns—Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State  

23.  Detroit Lions—Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

24.  Pittsburgh Steelers—Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia

25.  Denver Broncos—Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

26.  New York Giants—Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

27.  Houston Texans—Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis       

28.  Baltimore Ravens—Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

29.  New England Patriots—Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

30.  San Francisco 49ers—Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

31.  New England Patriots—Mark Barron, S, Alabama

32.  Green Bay Packers—Nick Perry, OLB, USC